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Heart Palpitations Forum >> Symptoms and other concerns >> Panic attack?
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Message started by aks85 on Jan 1^st, 2011, 2:20am

Title: Panic attack?
Post by aks85 on Jan 1^st, 2011, 2:20am

its been so long since I've had a proper panic attack I'm not sure what just happened.
I went to.sleep.around 1am. woke up an hour later went back to sleep woke up am hour later to That stupid fit I get if I wake up too soon. I was anxious over it and trying to ignore it. then I had to go to the restroom. while up my heart just took off. I couldn't even tell the beats it just felt like 0000000000000000000000000. I began to feel faint. my arms got this weird hot/cold gonna go.numb feeling. my mouth went bone dry. began trembling. I made a dash for the bed and laid down. I was sure I was dying or having heart attack. I even said my prayers. heart began calming. called my husband talked to.him. began calming more. laid with him and it finally went down to 90. That was an hour ago.

now I can feel the whole ordeal creeping up on me again. I just got That horrible feeling in my arms And I felt my heart start to climb, but I'm trying to control it with breathing and diverting attention.

are these panic attacks or should i have called the paramedics long ago??? :'(

Title: Re: Panic attack?
Post by aks85 on Jan 1^st, 2011, 8:08am

PS. when I called in My husband I.had him check my heart. he said it was fast but wont tell me what he counted it at. bit he didnt seem to concered bc he wslked off to grab a shower to warm up even though i was begging him to stay with me. I swear to you it was over 200. it started very suddenly too, but lowered gradually. that to me says panic and not a physical cause right?

Title: Re: Panic attack?
Post by jothenurse on Jan 1^st, 2011, 9:58am

When you have had your panic attacks in the past, did you have a rapid heart rate? I know mine has gone in the 160 or higher range and they have said it was just a panic attack. Have you had an EKG in the past?

Title: Re: Panic attack?
Post by aks85 on Jan 1^st, 2011, 10:13am

I can remember atleast 2 incidents of what I think were panic attacks where my heart just took off like that.
its been years since I've had one like that though.

I have had 2 EKG. one in 2007 after a serious car accident because it felt like my heart was.barely beating and I had crushing pains through my chest and arms. Hospital said it was perfect.

I just had one 2 weeks ago during oral surgery- either for monitoring while I was under or BC the heart rate pulse oxidation monitor said my heart was at 125 during surgery prep. in any case, nothing was said about my EKG then.

Title: Re: Panic attack?
Post by aks85 on Jan 1^st, 2011, 10:45am

crazy as it sounds, I think I'd rather deal with my ectopics than that crazy racing heart and the fear it leaves behind. :o

Title: Re: Panic attack?
Post by AbbyH on Jan 1^st, 2011, 2:02pm

Classic panic attack hun.
Next time it happens just distract yourself, and tell yourself it's only a panic attack and things will calm much faster for you.

Title: Re: Panic attack?
Post by aks85 on Jan 1^st, 2011, 2:56pm

thanks Abby. I'm trying hard today to not let my fear of it pull me down today. but its hard :( I'm hyper aware of my heart today.

I wish I could figure out what set it off. Nothing was different. Other than for the new years party I had 3 slices of cheesecake factory cheesecake ( might as well go out with a bang if I'm gonna watch my weight in 2011 LOL) and 2 sodas. other than That nothing was different :-?

Title: Re: Panic attack?
Post by RLR on Jan 2^nd, 2011, 2:44pm

Events like the one described are actually quite common and can be either directly or indirectly associated with a phenomenon known as night terrors, basically a nocturnal panic attack. It has also been recorded in persons who head off to bed after consuming a particularly heavy meal. Stimulation very proximal to the esophageal corridor is typically the underlying cause. It is most often very brief in duration.

The specific sensation you describe is paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, or PAT, and is not life-threatening. You'll find that it is likely an isolated episode, but in the event it returns for any reason, you can apply very cold water to the orbital area of your face (the eyes) and press gently against the eyes, holding them for about 20 to 30 seconds. This action produces what is known as the dive reflex, which will lower heart rate and typically re-establish normal sinus rhythm. It is always advisable to be seated during the event to avoid falls.

You'll be fine. If the event recurs, speak with your primary care physician or specialist.

Best regards,

Rutheford Rane, MD (ret.)

Title: Re: Panic attack?
Post by aks85 on Jan 2^nd, 2011, 4:41pm

I have had fits like this before but there are usually a few years in between?

I have had 2 clear EKGs most recent was 2 weeks ago during my wisdom teeth removal. does this eliminate the need for.further investigation? I have CBCs with lipids yearly and they are normal other than elevated triglycerides.

thanks RLR!

Title: Re: Panic attack?
Post by aks85 on Jan 2^nd, 2011, 4:58pm

I am so sorry RLR, I have another question.

My very basic understanding of PAT is that. starts and stops suddenly. correct?

if so, since my heart rate gradually reduced as the fit of fear passed and I had my comfort person with me. health was monitoring my heart rate and He says That it gradually went back down over I'd say 3-4 minutes. the whole ordeal lasted MAYBE 10 minutes. any clarity is so much appreciated :-)